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Gnall KE, Sacco SJ, Park CL, Mazure CM, Hoff RA. Life meaning and mental health in post-9/11 veterans: the mediating role of perceived stress. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:743-756. [PMID: 36542555 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2154341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Post-9/11 veterans frequently experience diminished mental health following military service. Life meaning is related to better mental health in veterans, yet its mechanism of action is unknown. A meaning-making model suggests that life meaning can reduce perceived stress, thus enhancing mental health. The present study tested this meaning-making model by predicting multiple dimensions of mental health (i.e., symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, insomnia, and depression, and mental health quality of life) from life meaning as mediated by perceived stress. DESIGN AND METHODS The present study was a secondary analysis of a 12-month observational study of 367 post-9/11 veterans. Participants completed demographic and health surveys at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. A multivariate mediation model was created predicting changes in dimensions of mental health from 6 months to 12 months. RESULTS Higher life meaning at baseline predicted changes in all dimensions of mental health between 6 and 12 months, an effect mediated by changes in perceived stress between baseline and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Across dimensions of mental health, the meaning-making model was supported. Understanding post-9/11 veteran mental health from this theoretical perspective may help better tailor healthcare efforts and enhance veteran health overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Gnall
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Shane J Sacco
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Carolyn M Mazure
- Department of Psychiatry, Women's Health Research at YaleYale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rani A Hoff
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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Kruger JM, De Klerk JJ. A pathway to greater meaning in life and well-being for senior executives beset by anti-meaning. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1187913. [PMID: 37533714 PMCID: PMC10390789 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1187913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although work is a significant source of meaning for most people, the role of senior executive generates different meaning and well-being complexities than those experienced or faced by general employees. This study explored how meaning and anti-meaning components affect senior executives' experiences of meaning in life and well-being. The findings enabled devising a pathway to enhance senior executives' net experiences of meaning in life and well-being. Methods A cross-sectional, semi-structured interview study design was used to gather rich qualitative data. Eight participants from southern and eastern Africa, who had held the position of chief executive officer or managing director for at least five years, were interviewed. Results The findings demonstrated that senior executives' work roles provide a significant source of meaning. However, the roles are accompanied by unavoidable anti-meanings, which are likely to generate additional anti-meanings if not tempered sufficiently, thus reducing the net meaning experienced. Discussion From the findings, a practical pathway was devised to assist top executives to deal with the bipolar relationship between meaning and anti-meaning. Consulting and counseling practitioners can utilize the pathway to guide, support, and counsel senior executives towards improved meaning, temper anti-meaning and improve well-being.
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Wagner D, Pearcey SM. Perceived stress and salivary biomarkers in educators: comparison among three stress reduction activities. Health Psychol Behav Med 2022; 10:617-631. [PMID: 35898594 PMCID: PMC9310819 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2022.2102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The teaching profession is a potentially stressful occupation with up to 30% of all novice teachers leaving the profession and annual teacher turnover is higher when compared with turnover of all other occupations. This study investigated the effects of a one-time stress reduction activity (meditation, yoga, or aerobic exercise) in university and K-12 educators who were part of one-day seminar on Stress Reduction. Methods: Participants (N = 26) self-selected their stress reduction activity, completed a demographic questionnaire, educator stress self-assessment tool, and visual analogue scales indicating current stress levels. Salivary cortisol and amylase levels were measured before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after completion of the stress reduction activity. Results: Three (time) by three (activity) mixed factorial ANOVAs were computed for salivary analytes. The ANOVA for cortisol revealed a significant interaction (F (4, 66) = 3.60, p = .01). Comparisons showed significant differences with the aerobic exercise group having significantly higher cortisol levels at the 30-minute post-activity level when compared to the meditation (p < .05, Cohen’s d = .74) and yoga groups (p < .05, Cohen’s d = .52). Conclusion: Overall, the one-time activity of meditation and yoga showed lowered salivary cortisol levels at 30-minutes post-activity when compared to aerobic exercise activity. Additional research to examine the effects of stress reduction on educators in the work setting is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Wagner
- WellStar School of Nursing, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Sharon M. Pearcey
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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Pilika A, Maksuti P, Simaku A. Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Students in Albania. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression, anxiety and stress are increasingly concerning phenomena in our society, with serious consequences on physical and mental health. The repercussions may be particularly devastating in particular population subgroups, such as female university students. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Tirana. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 570 students from the university students in Tirana. Information was collected on socio demographic and academic characteristics; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Female students manifest more symptoms of depression compared to male students. The higher level of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress was found in the first academic years. Students with somatic disease exhibit higher scores compared to the rest of students. These findings highlight the need to adopt measures that address mental health, especially major depression, in female university students. Identifying the most frequent symptoms and finding a series of increased-risk and protective factors adds evidence to the existing scientific literature and allows efforts to be directed towards those experiences that are most frequent in female university students.
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Blanco V, Salmerón M, Otero P, Vázquez FL. Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and Prevalence of Major Depression and Its Predictors in Female University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115845. [PMID: 34072413 PMCID: PMC8198394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression, anxiety and stress are increasingly concerning phenomena in our society, with serious consequences on physical and mental health. The repercussions may be particularly devastating in particular population subgroups, such as female university students. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and the prevalence of depression and associated factors, in Spanish university women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 871 students from the Santiago de Compostela University (mean age 20.7 years, SD = 2.8). Information was collected on sociodemographic and academic characteristics; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; diagnosis of major depression; optimism, resilience, social support, life engagement, and five personality domains, using validated instruments. Of the participants, 18.1%, 22.8% and 13.5% presented with severe/very severe levels of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. A total of 12.9% had major depression. Higher life engagement was associated with lower risk of depression (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.98), while higher levels of neuroticism (OR = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.12–1.28) and openness to experience (OR = 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02–1.14) were associated with greater risk. These findings reveal an alarming percentage of female university students who experience major depression and severe/very severe stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-881-813-744
| | - Mar Salmerón
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.S.); (F.L.V.)
| | - Patricia Otero
- Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain;
| | - Fernando L. Vázquez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.S.); (F.L.V.)
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Ferreira AI, Pérez-Nebra AR, Ellen Costa E, Aguiar MLA, Zambonato A, Costa CG, Modesto JG, Ferreira PDC. Presenteeism and Productivity: The Role of Biomarkers and Hormones. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18095014. [PMID: 34068466 PMCID: PMC8126032 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18095014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. This study aimed to assess whether self-reported productivity despite presenteeism may be affected by biomarkers and hormones and how these physiological indicators can interact with each other to explain the presenteeism dimensions. Methods. This pilot study included 180 healthy participants with a mean age of 41.22 years (SD = 13.58), 76.11% of whom were female. The dependent variable included a self-reported measure of productivity loss due to presenteeism: the Stanford Presenteeism Scale 6. This study also includes physiological indicators such as biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood glucose) and hormones (cortisol and TSH thyroid hormone). Results. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that CRP moderated the relationship between cortisol levels and productivity despite presenteeism. Moreover, the increase of TSH moderated the relationship between cortisol, glycemia, and employees’ capacity to complete work tasks while sick. Conclusions. The results highlight TSH’s moderating role in decreasing employees’ capacity to fulfill tasks when these individuals have high levels of glycemia and cortisol in their blood. These findings have practical and theoretical implications based on a fuller understanding of how biomarkers and hormones explain productivity despite presenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristides I. Ferreira
- ISCTE—Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-790-3415
| | - Amalia R. Pérez-Nebra
- UnB—Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil;
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Internacional de Valencia, Calle Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Ellen Costa
- ISCSP—Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Politicas da Universidade de Lisboa, R. Almerindo Lessa, 1300-666 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Maria Luisa A. Aguiar
- UniCEUB—Centro Universitário de Brasília, SEPN 707/907, Campus do UniCEUB, Bloco 9, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; (M.L.A.A.); (A.Z.); (J.G.M.)
| | - Adriane Zambonato
- UniCEUB—Centro Universitário de Brasília, SEPN 707/907, Campus do UniCEUB, Bloco 9, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; (M.L.A.A.); (A.Z.); (J.G.M.)
| | - Carla G. Costa
- ISMAT—Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes, R. Dr. Estevão de Vasconcelos 33 A, 8500-656 Portimão, Portugal;
| | - João G. Modesto
- UniCEUB—Centro Universitário de Brasília, SEPN 707/907, Campus do UniCEUB, Bloco 9, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; (M.L.A.A.); (A.Z.); (J.G.M.)
- UEG—Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Av. Universitária, S/N—Nordeste, Formosa, GO 73807-250, Brazil
| | - Paula da Costa Ferreira
- CICPSI (UIDB/04527/2020; UIDP/04527/2020)—Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Arslantürk K, Öz F. Health sciences undergraduate students' perceived meaning of life and their coping styles. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2020; 56:439-447. [PMID: 31729043 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine health sciences undergraduate students' perceived meaning of life and coping styles and the correlation between them. DESIGN AND METHODS This is a descriptive study. The study sample consisted of 1160 students. Data were collected using a personal information form, the personal meaning profile (PMP), and the ways of coping inventory (WCI). FINDINGS Participants had the highest mean scores on PMP relationship and intimacy subscales while they had the highest and lowest mean scores on WCI self-confident coping style and submissive coping style subscales, respectively. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS It is thought that the study will guide us in the process of vocational training of students or guidance and counseling services provided to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Arslantürk
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Öz
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia die, on average, 20 years before their peers, with 'natural causes' accounting for 80% of premature deaths. The aim of this narrative review is to address this phenomenon from the perspective of known factors that contribute to long life. The relevant literature from the last decade was searched in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Four factors have been shown to be common to centarians, people who live to be a hundred: genes, life style behaviors that favor a healthy heart, social support, and a subjective purpose in life. The latter three factors are potentially modifiable but, in the context of schizophrenia, there are barriers to change, namely poverty, illness symptoms, stress, stigma, and side effects of antipsychotic medication. Barriers to change need to be addressed before substantial progress can be made in increasing the health and mortality risk of people with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 260 Heath St. West, Suite #605, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 3L6, Canada.
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